The space above kitchen cabinets can be a decorating challenge. It’s often a forgotten area, prone to collecting dust and visual clutter. So, how do you decorate the empty space above kitchen cabinets? You can fill this space with decorative items, functional storage, or even by creating a visual break with paint or wallpaper. The key is to choose solutions that fit your style, kitchen layout, and practical needs.
This often-awkward expanse of wall begs for attention. Ignoring it can make a kitchen feel unfinished, while an uninspired approach can lead to a cluttered or impractical look. But with a little creativity and strategic planning, you can transform this overlooked zone into a stylish and functional extension of your kitchen design. Let’s explore a variety of kitchen cabinet topper ideas and methods for filling space above cabinets that will make your kitchen shine.
Making the Most of Vertical Real Estate: Filling Space Above Cabinets
The vertical space above your cabinets is prime real estate. It’s an opportunity to add personality, storage, or simply to balance the visual weight of your kitchen. Many homeowners struggle with what to do with this area, often leaving it bare and dusty. However, by considering kitchen cabinet shelving, decorating kitchen soffits, and exploring open shelving above cabinets, you can unlock the potential of this often-neglected zone.
Stylish Solutions for Your Upper Kitchen Zones
1. Decorative Accents and Art:
- Varying Heights: Grouping items of different heights creates visual interest. Tall vases, ceramic jugs, or decorative boxes can fill the space nicely.
- Themed Displays: Consider a theme like country farmhouse with galvanized metal pitchers or a coastal theme with seashells and nautical decor.
- Faux Plants: For a touch of greenery without the maintenance, consider high-quality faux plants or trailing ivy.
- Cookbooks: Display attractive cookbooks that you often reference. Stack them vertically or horizontally.
- Baskets: Woven baskets can add texture and warmth. Use them for storing lighter items or simply as decorative elements.
- Pendant Lights: If your ceiling is high enough, consider adding stylish pendant lights above the cabinets. This can add ambiance and a focal point.
2. Functional Storage Options:
- Open Shelving: Installing open shelves above cabinets is a popular and practical solution. It offers a place to display dishes, glassware, or decorative items. You can also use them for everyday essentials like oils, spices, or even small appliances.
- Materials: Wood, metal, or glass shelves all offer different looks.
- Arrangement: Stagger shelves or create a symmetrical look.
- Floating Shelves: These shelves create a clean, modern look with no visible brackets. They are perfect for displaying lighter items.
- Glass-Fronted Cabinets: If you have soffits or are adding custom cabinetry, glass-fronted upper cabinets can display your best china or glassware. This also makes the space feel more open.
- Decorative Baskets and Bins: Use stylish baskets or bins on top of cabinets to store items like seldom-used serving dishes, table linens, or even kids’ craft supplies. This keeps them out of sight but still accessible.
3. Painting and Wallpaper:
- Accent Wall: Paint the wall space above your cabinets a contrasting color to create an accent. This can add depth and personality.
- Wallpaper: Consider a bold wallpaper pattern to make this area a feature. Geometric patterns, floral designs, or even textured wallpaper can elevate the look.
- Molding and Trim: Add decorative molding or trim around the top of the cabinets or along the ceiling line. This can create a more finished and custom look.
4. Lighting Solutions:
- Under-Cabinet Lighting: While not directly above the cabinets, under-cabinet lighting can indirectly illuminate the upper space, making it feel more integrated.
- Uplighting: Place small spotlights or LED strip lights on top of your cabinets, directed upwards towards the ceiling. This creates a soft, ambient glow and can highlight architectural features.
Kitchen Cabinet Topper Ideas for Every Style
The items you place on top of your cabinets should complement your overall kitchen aesthetic.
| Style | Recommended Topper Items | Materials & Textures |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | Sleek vases, geometric sculptures, minimalist planters, clean-lined baskets | Metal, glass, polished wood, concrete |
| Farmhouse | Galvanized metal pitchers, enamelware, wooden crates, ceramic jugs, faux greenery | Wood, metal, ceramic, woven natural fibers |
| Traditional | Antique-look clocks, decorative plates, brass accents, ceramic jars | Dark wood, brass, porcelain, detailed ceramic |
| Bohemian | Macrame plant hangers with faux plants, colorful pottery, woven baskets, eclectic figurines | Natural fibers, colorful ceramics, mixed metals, textured fabrics |
| Coastal | Seashell arrangements, driftwood pieces, blue and white ceramic jars, boat models | Glass, driftwood, ceramic, natural rope |
Decorating Kitchen Soffits: A Strategic Approach
Kitchen soffits, the often-unattractive boxes that conceal ductwork or plumbing above cabinets, can be a decorating hurdle. However, they also present an opportunity.
- Painting: Simply painting the soffits the same color as your cabinets or a complementary color can help them blend in. For a bolder statement, paint them a contrasting color or even a metallic finish.
- Wallpaper: Applying wallpaper to the soffits can transform them into a feature. Choose a pattern that complements your kitchen’s overall design.
- Molding: Adding decorative molding around the edges of the soffits can give them a more finished, architectural look.
- Built-in Shelving: For a more involved project, consider creating shallow built-in shelves within the soffit area. This requires carpentry skills but offers excellent storage and display space.
- Framed Art or Mirrors: Attach lightweight, framed artwork or mirrors directly to the soffit surface. Ensure they are securely mounted.
Embracing Open Shelving Above Cabinets
Open shelving above cabinets is a fantastic way to add both style and practicality. It breaks up the monotony of solid cabinetry and allows you to showcase your personality.
Maximizing the Appeal of Open Shelves
- Curate Your Display: Think of your open shelves as a canvas. Group similar items, vary heights, and leave some negative space.
- Functionality Meets Form: Combine decorative items like vases and framed photos with functional pieces like frequently used mugs or spice jars.
- Lighting: Small LED puck lights or strip lights can be installed on the underside of the upper cabinets or the shelves themselves to illuminate your display.
- Materials Matter: Choose shelf materials that align with your kitchen’s style. Walnut, oak, or painted wood for a warm feel; metal for an industrial look; or glass for a more airy appearance.
- Secure Mounting: Ensure shelves are securely mounted to wall studs or using appropriate heavy-duty anchors.
Cabinet Riser Ideas to Elevate Your Decor
Sometimes, the issue isn’t just the space above the cabinets, but the cabinets themselves not reaching high enough. Cabinet riser ideas can help bridge this gap.
- Adding a “Stacker” Cabinet: The most common approach is to add a smaller, shorter cabinet on top of your existing ones. These can be simple boxes or have glass fronts.
- Decorative Risers: For shorter displays, you can use decorative risers to lift items like vases or canisters, creating tiered displays.
- Built-in Niches: A more custom solution involves creating built-in niches or display shelves above your cabinets, essentially turning that wall space into integrated cabinetry.
DIY Above Cabinet Decor Projects
For the hands-on enthusiast, there are many DIY above cabinet decor projects to consider.
- Painted Silhouettes: Paint a simple silhouette of a cityscape, trees, or geometric shapes on the wall above your cabinets.
- Woven Wall Hangings: Create or purchase a macrame or woven wall hanging to add texture and a bohemian touch.
- Repurposed Items: Use old crates, wooden pallets, or even vintage metal signs as decorative elements.
- Stenciling: Use stencils to add patterns or designs to the wall space above your cabinets.
- DIY Open Shelving: Build your own open shelves from reclaimed wood or lumber.
Above Cabinet Storage Solutions for a Tidy Kitchen
Beyond pure decoration, the space above cabinets is excellent for above cabinet storage solutions.
- Matching Baskets: Use a set of attractive baskets that match your kitchen’s style. Label them for easy identification of contents.
- Decorative Boxes: Similar to baskets, decorative boxes can hide less attractive items.
- Nesting Crates: Stack vintage or painted wooden crates to create tiered storage.
- Slim Pull-Out Shelves: For a more integrated look, custom pull-out shelves can be installed in a cabinet topper unit.
Kitchen Cabinet Organization Extended Upwards
Think of the area above your cabinets as an extension of your kitchen cabinet organization strategy.
- Seasonal Decor: Store seasonal items or holiday decorations in labeled baskets or bins on top of cabinets.
- Pantry Overflow: Keep seldom-used pantry items, extra serving dishes, or small appliances out of the way.
- Linen Storage: Store extra tablecloths, napkins, or tea towels in attractive containers.
Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas Beyond the Usual
When thinking about kitchen wall decor ideas, don’t forget the often-overlooked space above your cabinets.
- Gallery Wall: Create a small gallery wall of framed artwork, photos, or even vintage kitchen utensils above your cabinets.
- Chalkboard or Magnetic Board: Mount a decorative chalkboard or magnetic board for leaving messages, jotting down recipes, or displaying kids’ artwork.
- Mural or Decals: Apply a removable wall mural or decorative decals to add a unique artistic touch.
- Pegboard with Hooks: A stylish pegboard can be mounted to hold small kitchen tools, herbs, or decorative items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it okay to leave the space above kitchen cabinets empty?
While it’s not inherently wrong to leave the space empty, it can make a kitchen feel incomplete and the space can quickly become a magnet for dust and grime. Decorating or utilizing this space can enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen.
Q2: Can I put heavy items on top of kitchen cabinets?
It depends on the construction of your cabinets and the stability of the cabinet tops. For heavy items, it’s best to ensure the cabinets are sturdy and the items are placed centrally to distribute weight evenly. Consider securing heavier items to the wall for safety, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
Q3: How do I clean the space above kitchen cabinets?
Regular dusting is essential. Use a long-handled duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. For tougher grime or grease buildup, use a mild all-purpose cleaner on a damp cloth. If you have items on top, remove them periodically for thorough cleaning.
Q4: Should the decor above cabinets match my kitchen style exactly?
While it should complement your kitchen’s style, it doesn’t need to be an exact match. You can use this space to introduce a slightly different texture, color, or theme that still harmonizes with the rest of the room. It’s an opportunity for a subtle contrast or an accent.
Q5: What if my kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?
If your cabinets reach the ceiling, you’ve effectively eliminated the “empty space” problem. This is an ideal scenario as it maximizes storage and creates a streamlined look. However, ensure the top of the cabinets themselves are kept clean and perhaps styled with a few well-chosen decorative items if there’s a small ledge.
Q6: How do I prevent dust and grease from accumulating on items above cabinets?
Using closed storage solutions like baskets with lids or decorative boxes can help. Regularly dusting and wiping down surfaces is key. If you have open shelving, choose items that are easy to clean or that won’t show dust as readily. Consider installing cabinet toppers that have a solid top to prevent things from settling directly on the cabinets.
By thoughtfully addressing the space above your kitchen cabinets, you can transform a neglected area into a stylish and functional part of your home. Whether you opt for decorative displays, practical storage, or a combination of both, these ideas will help you create a more cohesive and visually appealing kitchen.